The concept norm: Enduring but indefensible

Abstract

As rightly argued by Meier in this issue, the concept norm anchors the study of deviance in sociology's mainstream. Indeed, the sociology of deviance is now a strategic arena for a critical examination of normative notions, if only because the “reactive” conception of deviance, one of three distinct components of the labeling perspective (Gibbs, 1981), seemingly rejects the concept norm. A survey of the shortcomings and merits of the conception (Gibbs, 1981) suggests some problems with the concept norm. Meier's commentary takes that direction, but he does not propose defensible solutions to the problems.